There’s something to be said for straying from the beaten path. Fortunately, in Columbus, such jaunts don’t take you all that far out of the way. Hal & Al’s has worked hard to distinguish itself as a destination despite its less-than-prime location (about a mile south of Carabar on Parsons Avenue). The place offers plenty to make the drive to the south side worthwhile: 120 different craft beers, completely cover-free live music on the weekends, organized beer tastings, and one of Columbus’ two 100% vegan kitchens. That’s right – vegan. Even sans meat, they make a mean taco.

Bar manager Rob Foster has been integral in the bar’s development. He took a bit of an odd path to get there – after seven years in the Army, he found himself playing desk jockey for the government. He broke free (as all good-spirited people tend to) and wound up juggling knives at House of Japan. No joke. A fortuitous meeting with a friend got his foot in the door at Hal & Al’s, and presto – new career. Rob writes the menu, selects the playlist and slings the drinks, too.

But don’t come looking for hibiscus syrup, rose water or chocolate bitters. Hal & Al’s is neither huffy nor stuffy. It has the feel of a well-executed man cave, and as such, the drinks are meant to be refreshing and fun. Topping the cocktail list is the Berry Cooler, a suped-up vodka and cranberry concoction that is probably best on a hot, sunny day, but has enough liquor in it to keep you warm. The Martian Shandy mixes Absolut Citron with Harpoon’s UFO White (beer and liquor, together at last) and begs to be guzzled.

But Rob takes the most pride in the his-and-hers shots he dreamed up and dedicated to our generation’s original power couple, Saved by the Bell’s Zack Morris and Kelly Kapowski. Zack is tropical and cool, and you can’t tell me Malibu rum isn’t just the right choice to carry the drink. Kelly, of course, is sweet and fruity but still packs a wallop.

If Hal & Al’s sounds like a fun place to be, that’s because it is. Your friends may balk at making the trek, but sometimes you’ve got to switch it up; just don’t be surprised if you wind up going back for more.

Berry Cooler
2 oz. Three Olives Berry
2 oz. UV Pink Lemonade Vodka
Black raspberry liqueur
Cranberry juice
Sprite

Build ingredients in a shaker with ice, mix gently and serve in a pint glass.

Martian Shandy
Harpoon UFO Belgian White
Absolut Citron

Draw beer from tap, add a noticeable amount of Citron, and stir. Enjoy.

Zack Morris
Malibu rum
Stoli Vanilla Vodka
Maui Blue Pucker
Splash of Sprite

Kelly Kapowski
Three Olives Berry
Three Olives Cherry
Black raspberry liqueur
Splash of cranberry juice